Portugal has shipped the last of six Kamov Ka-32A11BC firefighting helicopters to Ukraine.
The shipment took place two years after Lisbon announced its intention to deliver the Russian-origin platforms to Ukraine in October 2022.
Acquired by the Portuguese Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2006-7, the helicopters were not operable as the Russian maintenance team repairing the aircraft was expelled over charges of flying the platforms without permission.
Additionally, one of the helicopters was declared inoperative after suffering an accident, Sic Noticias reported.
Likely to Be Used as Spares
According to the Portuguese outlet, discussions regarding the donation of the helicopters proceeded slowly, keeping them in Portugal until November 2023.
“After a long period of uncertainty and negotiations, the current government, through the MDN (Ministry of National Defence), in conjunction with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, coordinated the transport of the helicopters with the Ukrainian authorities, in particular with the Ukrainian Embassy in Lisbon and with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense,” the outlet quoted a government statement.
It is not clear whether the aircraft will be flown or cannibalized for spare parts. However, the latter looks more likely.
Ka-32
The Ka-32 was introduced in 1986 as a civilian version of the KA-27PS, which was based on the older Ka-25 and Ka-27.
The Ka-32A11BC, which is being transferred to Ukraine, is a dedicated search and rescue aircraft, capable of patrolling, medical evacuation, cargo transport, logging and firefighting.
It can be operated by a single pilot and has a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kilograms (24,251 pounds).
